The Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) learned with concern of the ship, Al Kuwait, which docked at the Cape Town harbour with approximately 19,000 cattle on board. The Al Kuwait ship belongs to the company Al Mawashi and the cattle are reportedly on their way to Kuwait from Brazil. The ship docked at Cape Town to take on board fodder, medication and food for the crew.

Situation on Board Al Kuwait

However, the tremendous stench from the Al Kuwait ship raised questions and led to the situation where the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) obtained a court order to go on board and investigate the situation. Allegedly, the situation on the ship was horrible with animals lying down and unable to get up, manure lying very deep in the pens as well as sick and dead animals. The SPCA then tried together with the Captain to resolve the situation before the ship was due to depart this morning (20 February 2024).

RPO’s Previous Involvement in Livestock Exports

The RPO was previously involved in livestock exports from South Africa to Kuwait through Al Mawashi South Africa. During that time, the NSPCA pending a court case against Al Mawashi South Africa to permanently ban the export of livestock. The RPO entered the case as a friend of the court to represent the position and situation of red meat producers. The court then ruled in favor of Al Mawashi and exports could continue.

RPO’s Point of View on the Al Kuwait in Cape Town Harbour

• The matter is of foreign origin and therefore did not take place under the banner of South African exports.
• The RPO is concerned about the welfare of the animals on the ship and recognizes the rights of animals as noted in the Constitution of South Africa.
• The RPO is also concerned about the possible influence the situation may have on the biosecurity of South Africa.
• The RPO believes that someone should have known and given approval for the ship to dock in Cape Town and that the fodder that was loaded should have been arranged in advance.
• It should be noted that Al Mawashi is an international company and that the current situation has nothing to do with Al Mawashi South Africa.

RPO’s Point of View on Live Exports from South Africa

• The RPO supports live exports from South Africa as a much-needed alternative market but believes that animals should be treated according to their rights during exports.
• The RPO is a member of the Livestock Welfare Coordinating Committee (LWCC) of South Africa and follows the guidelines of the Committee.
• The RPO has a Code of Best Practice for red meat producers on how animals should be treated.
• South Africa has a protocol for live exports that was drawn up by the government in collaboration with industry to ensure fair exports.
• The only livestock export harbour in South Africa is East London, and the Eastern Cape RPO has established a livestock export forum to ensure exports take place according to the protocol.
• Live exports from South Africa by ship have a very good record with mortalities on the ship being lower than mortalities in domestic feedlots.

Conclusion

The primary aim of the RPO is to create a sustainable and profitable market for red meat producers in South Africa. However, sustainability or profitability cannot be met if live exports are not done right. The RPO will therefore work with any role player to help ensure that the export of livestock from South Africa can be an example of livestock exports for the world.

ENQUIRIES:

Chief Executive Officer – Dr Frikkie Maré
Cell : 084 446 6787 – Email : frikkie@rpo.co.za

Chairman – Mr James Faber
Cell : 083 292 2556 – Email : james@glenross.co.za

Live Export Forum – Mr Frik van Rooyen
Cell : 082 900 3516 – Email : frik@kmtrading.co.za

Company Secretary – Me Corine Steyn
Cell : 083 644 5545 – Email : corine@rpo.co.za